According to the Director of Human Resources of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Suherman, PTBA is an energy company that actively promotes the use of New Renewable Energy (NRE), one of which is through the construction of solar power plants for irrigation, which will increase agricultural productivity.
“PTBA is a pioneer in the use of solar power plants to promote sustainable agriculture. This is the seventh solar power plant established by PTBA for farmers in its surrounding operational areas. Lahat Regency has one solar irrigation system, Lampung has two, Sawahlunto has one, and Muara Enim has three," said Suherman.
Muara Lawai's solar power plant, which was built in September 2023 and completed in January 2024, has a power capacity of 57.5 kWp, enough to irrigate 119 hectares of rice fields and meet the water demands of 268 farmers for farming. The irrigation procedure begins with two 22 KW water pump machines, which are subsequently disseminated via a 1.2 km long pipe with a flow rate of 241 m3/hour.
"This is a sustainable principle; in the future, the Leca Paye farmer group in Muara Lawai will not have trouble accessing water during the dry season. With solar power plant, we can simply rely on sunlight. We also hope that the solar power plant that we have built and will continue to build will be able to cover more rice fields," added Suherman.
Using the principle of mutual cooperation, the land utilized for the Muara Lawai solar power plant was donated by and presented for the people, allowing the benefits to be enjoyed collectively. Thus, as directed by H. Ahmad Rizali, the Acting Regent of Muara Enim, local communities are crucial to the best possible use and operation of the solar power plant.
“This solar power plant is an outstanding CSR program. Congratulations to Muara Lawai Village as the recipient of this assistance initiative. This solar power plant is a priceless asset that the village head and the people of Muara Lawai Village must preserve," said Ahmad Rizali.
“Our rice farmers really need irrigation flow. And we were the ones who benefited and received gifts on PTBA's anniversary. We thus always hope and pray that PTBA will always be prosperous," said Edi Wanseri, Head of Muara Lawai Village.
